ECL 9 Pro: Semifinals Preview

NHLGamers,

We've come as far as to having only four teams left to compete for the championship title in our ECL 9 Pro division. The Pro championship is not just a title to hold, but it also signifies punching your ticket of participation in the ECL Elite division for the leagues next iteration. All of these semifinalists have earned an opportunity to play for a promotion in one way or another, now all that remains is determining the marching order.

Here are the matchups for the Semifinals of the ECL 9 Pro Playoffs:

(1) Delusion vs GHETTO FIREBIRDS (4)
TOP SCORER (PLAYOFFS)
@Beniittto - 8GP, 10+8=18 vs @Valluxet - 11GP, 15+18=33

GOALTENDING (PLAYOFFS)
@uhNikke - 8GP, 8W, 89.23SV%, 0,88GAA, 3SO vs @Jeresti - 11GP, 8W, 84.8SV%, 1,73GAA, 1SO

In this semifinal matchup we are seeing the clash of two very different types of teams. We all know the caliber of players that Delusions lineup holds - just imagine that all three of their forwards slot within the top 20 scorers at NHLGamer, of ALL TIME. Centerman @Beniittto even holds the top position on that list. Granted, these guys put up somewhere in the ballpark of 100 points plus each this season which might have inflated the statistics a bit, but it is a powerful statement regardless. GHETTO FIREBIRDS will have their work cut out for them as this is a challenge they are not used to facing. Don't get me wrong - the FIREBIRDS are a solid team that is built on a strong foundation with outstanding chemistry acquired over an extended period of time, but I think it's safe to say that this is going to be the biggest challenge of their careers yet.

Bottom line: The ball here is with Delusion. They should be able to run over GHETTO with their offensive prowess alone. GHETTO will need to bring their very best in this challenge of a lifetime.

(2) Vesa Pompa HC vs Gotham Knights (3)
TOP SCORER (PLAYOFFS
@Nampa77 - 9GP, 9+11=20 vs @Jimisebastian - 10GP, 11+5=16

GOALTENDING (PLAYOFFS)
@Thunborg5 - 5GP, 4W, 82.61SV%, 1,6GAA, 0SO vs @PeeloJombb - 10GP, 8W, 90.51SV%, 1,3GAA, 4SO

In advance, this should be the tighter semifinal matchup. Vesa Pompa HC is a tremendously strong team when they are in their zone, but with the eSHL going on and the fact that these guys are playing with a totally different roster on a nightly basis - that might throw things off. The eSHL started on January 13th and since then, we've seen some troubles in the horizon for Vesa Pompa. They played a difficult six game series in the quarterfinals against Reality Check but found a way to advance and will now be in for a challenge, when facing Gotham Knights, who are eager to get back to the highest tier of competition after spending their second consecutive season in Pro now. Statistically, both of these teams look very similar with the only major difference being Vesa Pompas scoring ability which is a category they have an advantage in. Over the course of the season, both teams have dropped points in matchups where they should have been favourites in advance, it shouldn't be too bold of a statement that the more consistent team will win this series.

Bottom line: This should be en exciting and very even series, an eventual game 7 would not be a surprise.

Where/when to watch?

The series between Delusion and GHETTO FIREBIRDS will be starting today at 20:00 CET. The first three games will be played tonight and the series will continue on wednesday at 20:00 CET, follow the games at www.twitch.tv/sakkem95.

Vesa Pompa and Gotham haven't scheduled their games yet, but according to latest comments, the series will start on Wednesday.

As always, have fun and play hard!
Who do you think will win?

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